Debuting in 1948, The Lucky Pup (a clever play on words) was both a televised puppet show and a very fortunate canine that had received an inheritance of five million dollars, thanks to a wealthy relative. And although his pleasant demeanor didn’t change as a result of this windfall, his problem certainly increased as a result.

He attempted a normal life, carrying on with his regular routine and hanging with loyal pal, Jolo the clown. Unfortunately, he also had to contend with a new foe, the evil magician Foodini who was determined to make off with the canine’s loot. Along with his sidekick, Pinhead, Foodini plotted and schemed endlessly but their efforts were always foiled, leaving them dejected and none the richer.

Doris Brown narrated the series that featured an all-puppet cast and served to explain to young viewers why it was wrong of Foodini and Pinhead to continuously pursue the doggie dollars. Behind the strings were the talented team of puppet-masters, Hope and Morey Bunim.

CBS eventually tired of their arsenal of puppet shows at the time and The Lucky Pup’s luck ran out. Upon cancellation, however, ABC picked up the series in 1951 and renamed it Foodini the Great, with the emphasis now on the dastardly duo - whose popularity had surpassed the unfortunate pup.